2015 Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics You Need to Know

Prescription drug abuse is a growing dilemma in the United States, especially among teens and young adults. When a person takes a prescription drug for a non-medical reason, it can become a serious problem, many times resulting in the need for prescription drug abuse rehab.

In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that 25% of prescription drug abusers who began abusing earlier than age 13 ended up meeting clinical criteria for addiction and prescription drug abuse treatment.

See more 2015 prescription drug abuse statistics like this, below:

• In the US alone, more than 15 million people abuse prescription drugs.
  Source: Foundation for a Drug-Free World
• 52 million Americans over the age of 12 have used prescription drugs non-medically in their lifetime.
  Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Heroin use rose by 75% between 2007 and 2011.
  Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, via Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence
• Nearly 9 out of 10 poisoning deaths are caused by drugs—both illicit and prescribed.
  Source: Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence
• The United States makes up 5% of the world’s population and consumes 75% of the world’s prescription drugs.
  Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Most abused prescription drugs fall under 3 categories: painkillers – 5.1 million; tranquilizers/depressants – 2.2 million; stimulants – 1.1 million.
  Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• By survey, almost 50% of teens believe that prescription drugs are much safer than illegal street drugs.
  Source: Foundation for a Drug-Free World
• The number of women who lost their lives to opioid pain reliever overdoses rose 415% between 1999 and 2010 (compared to 250% for men).
  Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) via Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence
• 54.2% of prescription drug users get them free from a friend or relative.
  Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Medical emergencies resulting from prescription drug abuse increased 132% over the last seven years, with opioid involvement rising 183%.
  Source: Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence
• In 2013, only 16% of Americans believed that the United States is making progress in its efforts to reduce prescription drug abuse.
  Source: Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence

The 2015 prescription drug abuse statistics above show that the use of prescription medications for non-medical reasons is growing in America – and the effects are evident. If you or someone you love abuses prescription drugs, learn more about Talbott Recovery’s prescription drug abuse treatment program today.